Product Assessment
In a simplified manner, product development takes place in three phases:
- Generation of ideas
- Feasibility assessment
- Commercialization (and/or product change)
For each phase a simple matrix of information should be established. Each item of information should be assessed, and its effect on the overall risk - and its manageability - of the product identified. Confirmation that the product is acceptable should be made before moving forward to manufacturing, marketing and sales. Reference is made to the example checklist below.
To do | Product specification | Marketing | Utilization |
Phase 1: Generation of ideas | |||
Identify | New ingredients or components | Potential regions | Broad nature of potential use |
Any new chemistry of raw materials, additives, coatings, and in the processing of the materials | |||
Consider | Inherent SHE issues in manufacturing process | Marketing issues | Product SHE concerns |
Phase 2: Feasibility assessment | |||
Define | Composition | Countries for which approvals are required | Prime and other possible applications |
Develop | Technical and physical properties Any new data required due to: Core Safety Data Sheet REACH compliance Containment/packaging options Process SHE issues | Understanding of national inventory/classification/application regulations for ingredients/product Transport and storage regulations Regulatory approvals for releasing product on the market Ability to provide SDS in relevant languages Any new data required for national inventory check | Understanding of customer issues in use and potential for misuse and abuse Risk assessment in use Understanding of waste concerns and waste minimization Handling and use information |
Phase 3: Commercialization (and/or product change) | |||
Define | Product name and specification | Countries for sale and those for which approvals needed | Intended applications and any exclusions |
Complete and integrate into business | All actions in Phase 2 (reviewing assumptions) Establish Safety Data Sheet Establish Product Dossier and submit for regulatory approval Carry out a Business Impact Assessment | ||
